Screwdrivers could easily be considered the most important tool for any handyman. Although the Phillips screwdriver tends to be the most popular and most widely used, there are several different types, each with a specific purpose, including woodworking, fasteners for small electronics, wood construction, sheet metal, factory builds, and more.
This guide will give you information about each of the screwdriver types and help you find out what they are best used for.
Table of Contents
Choosing and Using a Screwdriver
Almost everything that is built or manufactured will probably require a screwdriver of some sort. Most things can be assembled using a flat blade screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, but this doesn’t mean that you should use these.
The type that you use will depend on what you are building and how secure you need that item to be.
Some screwdrivers have the bit built-in, and it can’t be changed. This is the case with most manual flat blades and Phillips.
However, these give you limited uses. If you want the most versatility, another option is to get a driver to change out the bits.
Multiple-bit type screwdrivers like this are convenient in a limited toolbox or on the go. Get a sturdy one that will be sure to secure all of the components.
This will give you the most versatility, especially if you get a kit with all or most of the types of screwdriver bits.
Using the right drill bit with your screwdriver or using the correct screwdriver is essential so you can prevent stripping the screw heads or cam out. This is when the screwdriver slips out of the fastener due to torque that could be too high.
Cam out can damage your drill bits and the fastener to a point where they are no longer usable. Prevent cam out by using the right tool for the job.
In the following section, twelve different screwdrivers are introduced, and their top uses are explained.
Twelve of the Most Common Types of Screwdriver Heads
Flat Blade (Slotted)
Of all the types of screwdrivers, the Flat blade is one of the oldest tools that people use, dating back to the 1500s. As the name indicates, the end of the screwdriver is flat.
The screw that it uses has a single, long slot. As with most screws, tightening is done with sound, clockwise turns.
This allows it to fit into many different sized or shaped fasteners. The size of the screwdriver usually indicates two measurements–the blade width and shaft length. However, the thickness of the blade isn’t traditionally marked.
Flat blade screwdrivers are some of the most versatile screwdrivers available because they can be used in so many different applications.
Phillips
The Phillips screwdriver was named after its inventor, Henry Phillips. It was first used by General Motors in 1936 in the building of Cadillacs. This screwdriver has an X-shaped head that allows it to produce more torque, which makes it great for heavy-duty applications such as building cars.
What sets the Phillips apart from a flat blade (besides its design) is that it’s self-centering and has a tighter fit. This means that you can use one hand to turn a fastener, which also makes it extremely useful in automated assembly systems. As a result, this screw is used the most in all applications, consumer and industrial.
Square Head (Robertson)
The square head screwdriver, also known as the Robertson screwdriver, was invented before the Phillips screwdriver. Invented by and named after a Canadian named P.L. Robertson in 1908, this screwdriver was made because of the problems with using a flat blade.
It looks like a regular flat blade except that the end is square instead of flat.
This is a self-centering screwdriver with a good, tight fit like the Phillips and is much more secure while turning a fastener. Unfortunately, the driver (as well as the Robertson screw, which he also invented) didn’t take too well in Canada. Still, they were a success in the United States. Ford was one of the first automotive manufacturing companies to begin using them.
Now there are five different-sized Robertsons available. In addition, they are color-coded to match different-sized compatible fasteners.
Allen Wrench Screwdriver
The Allen wrench, also sometimes called a hex wrench, hex key, or an Allen key, are small, L-shaped wrenches with a hexagonal-shaped end.
Today, Allen wrenches and compatible fasteners have become increasingly popular with furniture that consumers can assemble at home using small ratchets.
This tool is so small and inexpensive to produce that they are often included in the box with the furniture. Allen wrenches can come in different sizes (diameters). The three most popular are the 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, and 1/4-inch.
These fasteners and wrenches are also commonly used in bicycles and motorcycle engines.
Torx
The Torx screwdriver, also commonly called a star screwdriver, was invented by a company called Camcar Textron in 1967. The complimenting screw was designed to be mostly tamper-resistant and is used in products such as computers, car engines, and construction.
These screwdrivers come in 100 different sizes, labeled from T1 (the smallest) to T100. In addition, there are a few different types of Torx screwdrivers. One is the original Torx, a six-pointed star shape screw and screwdriver that is self-centering.
Another kind is the Torx Plus which is shaped slightly differently than the original. It allows more contact between the screwdriver and the fastener to withstand more torque than the original screwdriver.
Allen Security Screwdriver
The Allen security screwdriver also called a hex security screwdriver or a tamper-resistant hex screwdriver was created to secure products that manufacturers don’t want the general public to have access to. These screwdrivers aren’t available on the general market.
The complimenting screw has a small metal post in its center that prevents regular Allen screwdrivers from working on it. The Allen security tools (as well as the complimenting screws) come in these standard sizes: 1/8, 3/32, 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16.
Schrader Valve Bit/Driver
For Schrader valves, the drivers often come in kits with interchangeable Schrader valve bits. The driver and bits allow for installations of Schrader valves which are commonly used in HVAC systems, engines, and tires.
These tiny valves are often sticking out from whatever unit they are attached to. In tires, for example, they are the valves that you use to put air in the tires.
These pneumatic valves are under much pressure and must be installed precisely to prevent malfunction and/or injury. Because of this, high-quality bits and drivers are essential.
Tri-Wing Screws
Tri-Wing, also sometimes called triangular slotted, can often be confused with tri-tip screwdrivers but they are very different. Unlike the tri-tip, the tri-wing’s center is off-set.
The tri-wing fastener is a triangle with three “wings” extending from each point. Unfortunately, these screwdrivers aren’t standard for general consumer use.
Originally these were developed for use in the aerospace industry. However, tri-wings are now used in gaming consoles and mobile phones.
Torx Security Screwdrivers
This is another version of a Torx screwdriver. This type of screwdriver is not generally available to the public because it is used in products that the average person shouldn’t be unscrewing.
The complimenting screws have a metal piece in the middle to prevent tampering, so a regular Torx screwdriver won’t work on them.
The Torx security screwdriver is specially made with a hole in the middle to accommodate these special screws.
Pozidriv
This screwdriver type is very similar to Phillips screwdrivers and can sometimes be confused with them. However, Pozidriv has an additional shallow X whose lines are at a 45-degree angle with the deeper X that would be found on the Phillips.
These types of screwdrivers can handle a much more significant amount of torque than others. While these two kinds of screwdrivers are interchangeable, it isn’t recommended because the screws and the screwdrivers can become damaged.
Using a Pozidriv screwdriver with a Pozidriv screw provides the best results. Since it is self-centering, you can get more torque while still reducing cam-out.
Clutch
These special tools are made to go with their corresponding Clutch screws. There are two types: Type A and Type G.
The end of the Type A screwdriver looks like a butterfly with a round knot in the middle. Type A is sometimes called the standard clutch and these screws were commonly used in GM vehicles several decades ago.
Type G drivers are more common now. The end of the Type G looks like a butterfly without the knot. The corresponding screws are considered security screws. A flat head can screw them in, but they are specially designed so that only a clutch can screw them out.
Type G clutch screwdrivers and screws are very often used in building mobile homes. Because of the security feature, they are also used in prison fixtures and school/college fixtures.
Spanner Drivers
The Spanner screwdriver, also sometimes called the Snake-Eye (patented), pig nose, drilled head, or the twin-nose screwdriver features two small, long, thin, round bars connected to the end of the driver.
This is a self-centering driver, and it is also used for security applications (used with security spanner screws).
Spanners are used in several different applications that couldn’t be more different from each other.
They can be used on anything from elevators to spikes for golf shoes.
A Few Types of Screwdriver Sets Available
While some of them aren’t for the general public, many of them are, so your business or your home garage workshop can be prepared for whatever job comes your way. You’ll feel like Bob Vila when you know about all the screwdrivers and which situations to use them in.
Keep in mind that cheap screwdrivers may not work as well as you want, especially if you have heavy-duty jobs. Invest in the best tools you can the first time around to save yourself a headache. At the very least, you should own a few sizes of phillips, flat heads, and Allen wrench head drivers.
These three sets of screwdrivers can get you through most household and DIY tasks and should be present in your toolbox.
Final Word on Screwdriver Types
When it comes to screwdrivers, there are different types for a variety of purposes. I hope that this article has helped you better understand the difference between each type and which one would be best for your needs.
Now is the time to fill up your toolbox with everything from Phillips head screwdrivers to ratcheting screwdriver sets!
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